The WHO Prequalification of Medicines Programme (PQP) aims to ensure that
medicines bought for priority diseases meet global standards of quality, safety and efficacy, in
order to optimize use of health resources and improve health outcomes. It was established in 2001 to address two
broad challenges: insufficient in-country capacity to assess medicines quality; and the limited
choice of affordable treatment for diseases affecting poor populations. By conducting a comprehensive
quality assurance evaluation of priority medicines, validating numerous generic products and
strengthening local capacity, PQP ensures that national and international agencies make sound public
health and cost effective choices when purchasing medicines and supplying them through countries’ health
systems.